Daniel Stern's face is more recognizable than his name. And to look at his early work it's hard to figure out why he is not more well known. His film career started with a bang with a very funny supporting role in the Oscar nominated coming-of-age film, Breaking Away. From there one would have thought that bigger roles would follow, but he spent the next couple of years with very small roles in little seen films like Starting Over and A Small Circle of Friends.
It wasn't until several years later with another supporting role in the film Diner, that Daniel Stern was noticed once again.. And from there it looked like his career would soar with wonderful performances in films like Blue Thunder and C.H.U.D.
That didn't happen, but it did eventually lead to some more exposure in the popular films, City Slickers, Home Alone and both of their sequels. From there he went on to probably his most famous role - that of the narrator on the popular television show, The Wonder Years.
All of his work is proof that he is not only a great second banana, but also worthy of carrying a film with his quirky likeable characters. Why he isn't working in more mainstream movies or starring in a television series is the real question though, and the reason Daniel Stern is Not Very Famous...but should be.
It wasn't until several years later with another supporting role in the film Diner, that Daniel Stern was noticed once again.. And from there it looked like his career would soar with wonderful performances in films like Blue Thunder and C.H.U.D.
That didn't happen, but it did eventually lead to some more exposure in the popular films, City Slickers, Home Alone and both of their sequels. From there he went on to probably his most famous role - that of the narrator on the popular television show, The Wonder Years.
All of his work is proof that he is not only a great second banana, but also worthy of carrying a film with his quirky likeable characters. Why he isn't working in more mainstream movies or starring in a television series is the real question though, and the reason Daniel Stern is Not Very Famous...but should be.
Mr. Stern was also brilliant in, "The Milagro Beanfield War," 1988. My all-time favorite was his turn as Stage Manager Neil Allen in 1982's impossible to find, "Get Crazy." I managed to catch the film a few times on HBO several years ago, but it's never been released on DVD.
ReplyDeleteOr when he quoted The Dead, "A buck dancer's choice my friend," in CHUD
ReplyDeleteYea I always thought he would get really big.I really like him and he has a great screen presence. He is just an every guy,a quirky neighbor type or a buddy to have a beer with.
ReplyDelete